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Even in this digital era, nearly half of all small businesses and restaurants still have no web presence at all. If you’re working on your web presence, you know that for your restaurant, digital marketing is huge. But do you have a strategy?

If you’re new to SEO, digital marketing, and social media advertising, you need a guide to help you navigate. Start by trying these 5 strategies to make sure you start turning your posts into orders from customers.

1. Search Engine Marketing

Your first step to getting new customers will be to end up high in their search results. You need to include your keywords embedded as often as you can for the most successful restaurant digital marketing.

On top of your keywords, you also need to think locally. If you’re still trying to understand how to use keywords, try one of the many free tools out there before you make a big investment in SEO promotion. Creating a blog can help direct traffic to your site by using your keywords in texts about new offerings and services at your restaurant. People love looking at photos and reading your recipes as much as they love tasting your food.

2. Be Smart With Your Social Media

If your restaurant doesn’t have a presence on social media site, you’re missing a big opportunity for restaurant digital marketing. If your restaurant is already on social media, what are you doing to stand out?

Lots of restaurants post the best images of their best dishes, but because there’s so much out there, you need to find a way to be different. A big restaurant group needs to have someone dedicated to how your social media profile is marketed.Social media allows brands to express their personality or communicate who they are to the world. Take this opportunity to introduce your waitstaff and your hosts.

Put together short videos showing the back of house making beautiful stuff during your dinner rush. During slower mornings, give customers a treat by showing them photos of a dish from start to finish, from raw ingredients to a beautifully plated masterpiece.

Don’t be afraid to get feedback from your audience. Ask what their favorite sides and desserts are and offer a special a week later on that dish. Reply to comments and engage.

Building your brand authority builds loyalty and lifelong customers.

3. Video Is King

Close to half of all users spend an hour watching video content on social media every day. That’s a whole lot of ten- to sixty-second clips over the course of a day. While it may sound easy, you want to ensure that your videos are somewhat professional looking. The production value of your videos depends on the content you’re trying to communicate.

When you are looking for your video team, come up with more than one way to reach your customers. Ask for 10-second, 30-second and 2-minute edits for different social media sites. Longer videos are appropriate for Youtube, while Instagram or Snapchat users want to see short clips.

4. Cross-promote with Influencers

Restaurant digital marketing strategies now usually include some level of cross-promotion. If you use a hot sauce that’s made or distributed by a local vendor, you can promote each other with blogs and social media posts. Invite local bloggers and restaurant critics to dine with you. Show off your latest ideas and newest dishes, then ask if they’ll write about you. There are even paid channels to get people with big social media followings to talk about you.

If you have a blog, invite guest bloggers. You can use each other’s networks to gain followers while sharing recipes, favorite dishes from around the world, or just your favorite things about your city. Be creative and make connections.

5. Email and Text Promotions Still Work

Offer monthly 2-for-1 deals if people sign up with you or leave their business card. Create a spreadsheet of these names, email addresses, and phone numbers. Track if people make a second trip to your restaurant. If so, target them through email and text promotions. If you’re anticipating a slow night on the eve or day after a holiday, offer a free bottle of wine or dessert to your guests. Whether they come for the wine or not, you’ll be on their mind next time they pass your restaurant.

Restaurant Digital Marketing Is a Full-Time Gig

It’s hard for restaurant owners to be able to handle all of the moving parts of their business and become digital marketing experts at the same time. If you’re new to SEO and digital marketing for your restaurant, it can be overwhelming at first.